In a dark room, a round table with seven chairs was faintly illuminated by the light of the crystals.
Seven figures occupied the chairs, their shadows dancing against the walls behind them. No one spoke as they waited for the First Elder to begin the meeting.
"The containers of the plague have been sent throughout Palavendra, haven't they?" the First Elder asked, his hoarse voice breaking the silence.
"Yes, First Elder. They should be spreading the plague to others as we speak. That young queen won't even realize what has hit her kingdom until it's too late," one of the six elders replied.
Cruel smiles curled their lips as they imagined the devastation and the kingdom that would soon be reduced to ruins.
"Ahahaha!"
Confident, elated laughter filled the room. They sounded as though they were celebrating wonderful news rather than plotting to kill innocent people who worshipped the same Lord of Light they served, people who were merely living their ordinary lives.
